Essilor is launching a complete new Eyezen range of lenses for single vision consumers to ease the strain of their demanding digital lifestyles.

They are optimised lenses for people spending hours on multiple devices which demand different postures and higher eye declination when using a tablet or smartphone and new distances of use.

They cater for the 18 to 50 year olds whose digital habits force them to focus more intensively and repeatedly to adjust to close and variable distances with frequent switching between devices and increasingly smaller and pixelated typefaces.

“This is creating a new breed of vision symptoms and our research shows that two out of three consumers say digital screens demand extra effort to see well, that three out of four suffer from tired eyes and 70 per cent complain about neck and shoulder pain,” said commercial director Randeep Gill.
“Eyes are also having to endure screen glare, and while indoors are exposed to harmful blue-violet light emitted by some modern light sources.”

The new range offers an exclusive power distribution technology called Eyezen Focus – an extra boost for each patient’s age and physiological needs - to relax the eyes from screens, cut visual fatigue and make small type more readable.

The complete range of digital lenses match to consumers’ natural eye declination and convergence when using digital devices allowing opticians to offer the best visual solution.

“There are a lot of unmet needs here so we’ve developed a new single-vision category and tested it with wearers, achieving a 91 per cent satisfaction score, with high results for colour rendering, visual fatigue and the aesthetic look of the lens.”

“We introduced Eyezen lenses in 2016”, said Gill. “But with this we are offering an enhanced everyday lens that relaxes the eyes, relieves the digital demand, protects against harmful UV and Blue-Violet light and gives a reading lift.”

A new consumer marketing campaign is to be launched. This includes Sky Box Set film advertising aimed at affluent TV marathon-viewers, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube content promoting Essilor’s store locator, and digital campaigns targeting trusted design and technology influencers and pay-per-click spend.

British eyewear brand Tom Davies has created a new Colour Headset for stockists introducing a simple but major innovation in their bespoke service. The headset will be launching in September 2018.

The innovative and light-weight titanium headset holds Tom Davies acetate and titanium colour loupes. This will allow customers to ‘try on’ any colours from the Tom Davies collection and visualise what the final frame colour will look like.

The headset provides a reassuring experience for end customers who are now able to select their preferred colour before ordering a bespoke frame whilst helping opticians with their dispense.

Tom Davies accounts will be able to order from 84 acetate colours and 28 titanium colours.

"I stopped selling colour loupes for my bespoke service in 2017 because customer feedback suggested that it was hard to imagine what the colour would look like on a frame. However, I felt we lost something and after designing the headset which can hold the colour loupes like a frame, I realised I had created something special. From that moment, it was a race to get these launched!"

The Colour Headset will be unveiled with the re-launch of the highly requested Colour Kits in September 2018, which will feature twenty new acetate colours and six new titanium colours.

Journalists wishing to learn more about the launch or would like to experience the Colour Headsets with the new Colour Kits during Silmo in Paris or Vision Expo West in Las Vegas,

Racing Green was founded in 1990, a brand built on the best of British heritage. The name comes from the green livery adopted by the iconic British motor racing team dating back to the early years of the 20th century. British Racing Green became synonymous with industry, endeavour and adaptability. Those characteristics continue to define the Racing Green brand.

At the outset, Racing Green aimed to provide high quality casual and formal clothes to British customers. Racing Green sold its collections through mail order, using innovative small format brochures. Its reputation grew and Racing Green quickly became established as a designer brand that is internationally renowned.

Since 1990, Racing Green has taken pride in producing quality British clothing and accessories for men and women. The driving force is of timeless British elegance. Now the Racing Green brand is recognisable all over the world.

Racing Green is both contemporary and classic. The styling is understated and subtle. Norville applies the same philosophy to its eyewear. The Racing Green eyewear collection is simple, sharp, and spot on trend.

The new Norville Racing Green eyewear collection is available in 17 models, each manufactured to the highest quality from original British designs, and displaying the iconic Racing Green wordmark.

Colourways range from classic black, through to subtle shades of navy, brown and grey. Three models – such as RG002 C2 below – even come in the distinctive Racing Green colour itself.

RG002 C2 Green. Available in eyesize 55mm -17mm -140mm. (above right)

Norville has always been proud to champion British designs, and the introduction of Racing Green into its portfolio strengthens that commitment.

List all the features that would create the perfect plastic men’s frame and the SI-20081 would probably tick all the boxes.

‘Start with its aesthetics. Confident oversized styling with a large, squared lens shape. A no frills design in subtle, masculine colours and minimal detailing (note the Titanium temple feature).

A modern, slim profile with a classic look that doesn’t overpower the wearer. This covers the look requirements of a frame for so many men,’ comments Peter Reeve, Managing Director of STEPPER UK Limited.

‘Then, add to this the intrinsic qualities of robust material (TX5), a lightness that needs to be worn to be believed (8.8g), hypoallergenic qualities and a bridge comfort that brings day-long effortless wearing and the SI-20081 is a winning choice.’

‘Finally, a solid reputation for quality at a price point that makes this frame a sensible eyewear investment and the appeal for many men is overwhelming,’ concludes Peter.

Ultra Limited – the eyewear brand that has made uniqueness, artisan craftsmanship and color its trademark philosophy – launches the new Fall/Winter 2018-19 styles in its Profili Edition collection.
The Ultra brand is distributed in the UK through TIGER VISION EUROPE LTD.

Riding the wave of success met with the Mido 2018 debut of the collection, for the forthcoming season Ultra Limited has decided to dig deeper, expanding its innovative project through bold appliqués. While remaining true to the brand’s DNA, the frames in the Profili Edition display a totally fresh look, thanks to the application of a monochrome acetate sheet in the central part front, color-coordinated with the temples, creating an exquisite contrast with the blend of hues on the outer part of the rims.

According to Tommaso Poltrone, Ultra Limited Co-CEO and Marketing and Export Manager: “The outstanding popularity of the Profili Edition over the last few months has been unbelievable, beyond our wildest dreams. Which is why, for the new releases in September, we are even more invested in this line and are already working to follow up on the project with lots of innovations to be rolled out at Mido 2019.”

The entire Ultra Limited F/W 18-19 collection will be launched at the Fall optical shows – Hall of Frames in Nijkerk (September 9-10), DaTE in Florence (September 22-24) and Hall of Frames in Stuttgart (October 13-14) where new campaign photos will also be unveiled.

Heidelberg Engineering has reintroduced their unique “Love Your OCT Guarantee”, first launched at Optrafair 2018, due to popular demand.

“We are so confident that optometrists will love their SPECTRALIS that if for any reason they don’t, whether they rent or lease, we will guarantee to take it back after 18 months with no further obligation”, explains Tosh Vadhia, General Manager, Heidelberg Engineering.

“The Love Your OCT Guarantee provides peace of mind for the optometrist, allowing them to concentrate on making more informed referrals and improving patient care in their community.”

New for autumn 2018 is the opportunity to purchase a refurbished SPECTRALIS for a special discounted price. These refurbished units are also backed by the Love Your OCT Guarantee, a one year warranty and a comprehensive training and marketing package.

“The Love Your OCT Guarantee makes the same technology that is used on the International Space Station accessible on the high street”. “There’s a SPECTRALIS for every practice.

The world-famous SPECTRALIS imaging platform provides the versatility and clinical power you expect from the retinal specialists OCT of choice, whilst the SPECTRALIS SPIRIT uses the same technology but features a streamlined user interface that is designed to make OCT easy and fast without sacrificing clinical accuracy and reproducibility”.

Hedielberg are sponsors of your free Opchat News for links and further information click here

Today’s latest fashion is drawing on several trends from the 1990s. Cargo pants, platform sneakers, overalls and bandanas are all making a comeback. The designers from Swiss Eyewear Group took major inspiration from this period when they designed a series of small INVU ovals, squares and hexagonal stainless steel sunglasses.

The highly fashionable candy colored lenses along with matching mirror coatings complete a true and so trendy 90s retro look.

While the styling inspiration is from the 1990s, the technology that went into manufacturing these sunglasses is state-of-the-art.

The latest frame materials and Swiss Eyewear Group’s ultra polarized lenses are featured. Retailed at Euro 59, this new array of INVU sunglasses are a true bargain, offering incredible value to consumers around the globe.

OKIA is pleased to announce the launch of their “Wonderland” collection, a surprising mix of high technology and fashion that once again highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to unconventional design and innovation.

As the name suggests, the new collection takes its inspiration from the magic world of wonderland and gives it a modern twist thanks to the application of UV printing. Soft shades of light pink, light blue and light green evoking an ethereal and poetic atmosphere are mixed with this special printing technique that, using ultra-violet lights to dry or cure ink as it is printed, adds texturing details. Enriching the design and highlighting its colors, UV printing allows to create an unmatched look&feel that brings the customer’s experience to another level.

Wonderland 4 (Left)

Every frame from the new “Wonderland” collection also features one-piece lenses and double metal bridges, reflecting some of the hottest eyewear trends of the season.

Thanks to its subtle hues and sophisticated design, the “Wonderland” collection will bring enchantment into anyone’s look while keeping it absolutely charming and up-to-date.

Rich color combinations, laser cut detailing and innovative materials are some of the elements that highlight the KLiiK denmark collection for Fall 2018. Inspired by Scandinavian design and key fashion influences, the new styles offer unique and custom design elements for men and women requiring smaller eye sizes with a minimalistic and modern aesthetic.

For the ladies, three new styles featuring exclusive patterns and colors are released this fall.

Metal frame K-625 has a modified square shape and a keyhole bridge for a vintage appeal. It features a mono-block front and a laser cut down design on the temples highlighted by two-tone coloring. This style is offered in blueberry fuchsia, black gold, brown mint and wine tangerine.

The modified cat eye shape of style K-626 (right) comes in patterned and translucent acetates. The beautiful mix of neutral tones and patterns is enriched by a subtle metal end cap on the temple. Brown medley, black spec, blush and nude are the color combinations available.

An eye-catching style in handmade acetate of gradient glitter gives a unique look to the rectangular shape in style K-629 (left). The beautiful metal décor showcased on the end pieces and the temples adds a touch of refinement to this frame that is available in hues of rose, seafoam, blush and midnight.

The three new releases for men combine thin metal profiles with subtle pops of color and laser cut detailing.

Rectangular style K-622 (left) features a mono-block front with a laser cut linear detail at the end pieces, highlighted by two-tone coloring. This style is available in black red white, brown green cream and grey blue taupe.

In keeping in line with the linear design, style K-627 features a cut out on the end pieces with a step down molded temple, accented with a pop of color. Charcoal red, black blue and brown forest are the color options for this style.

Vintage inspired style K-630 features a metal rim wrapped in genuine leather and finished with clear protective coating. The polished metal bridge, end pieces and temples complete the minimalistic look. This style is available in color combinations of brown black, grey silver and black gun.

The new KLiiK Denmark collection is rounded out by two unisex frames.

With an ultra-thin profile, lightweight and with a retro round shape, style K-631(right) features real leather wrapped around the metal rim and sealed with a clear protective coating. The metal bridge and end pieces have a polished finish. A subtle laser engraved pattern is found along the temples. Available colors include brown gold, black light gun and blue dark gun.

A modern twist on the timeless aviator shape, style K-632. Featuring a double metal bridge bar with a mono-block front that has a laser cut groove along the rim to be finished in contrasting color. K-632 is available in hues of black palladium, brown black and black dark gun.

FYSH, the international eyewear brand that is designed for the women who embrace their individual style, reveals its new collection for Fall 2018. Combining the latest runway looks with the color trends of the season, the new styles feature a vast array of bold colors and intricate detailing for a unique look. The most current shapes are elevated by gradient, translucent or iridescent tones, amazing patterns and exclusive design elements, creating the perfect accessory for today’s strong, ambitious women.

The new acetate frames are all about a kaleidoscope of colors and feminine details. Modified cat-eye style F-3615 features Mazzucchelli animal print acetate with iridescent colors that shifts shades as it moves in the light. A polished metal inlay along the browline adds a finishing touch of sophistication. Conceived for the woman who loves to stand out from the crowd, this style is available in hues of leopard, chameleon and purple leopard.

Rounded rectangle shape of style F-3616 (right) is a large fit frame that comes in soft feminine shades in gradient acetate. Beveling along the browline provides dimension to the design. Featuring OBE spring hinges, this style is available in romantic hues of aubergine rose, brown nude, grey smoke and burgundy red.

A metal frame plays with color blocking and finishes in style F-3612. (Right)

A semi rimless frame with a modified cat eye shape and a mono-block front, its super thin profile is highlighted by two-tone coloring and unique end pieces that feature a jigsaw puzzle design wrapping harmoniously to temples. This style is available in color combinations of black gold, sapphire rose, brown emerald and burgundy eggplant.

Style F-3613 (left) will light up any look with the mix of solid and glitter epoxy that creates a unique color blocked effect on the end pieces and the temples. High gloss finishes in hues of black silver, ink black, burgundy rose and brown gold are featured for this frame.

Style F-3617 gives a modern twist to the classic aviator with a beautiful honeycomb pressed pattern along the rim. The temple features a linear metal detail accented by two tone color block effect. A discreet custom integrated spring hinge is worked into the frame without disrupting the design. Available rich hues are burgundy ink, brown gold, rose black and purple teal.

The new Blackfin eyewear collection is studded with stylistic features, characteristic elements that embody the brand’s vision. One where titanium responds to a new concept of sophisticated technology that is eloquently expressed in the styles for the coming season.

New craftsmanship processes, combinations of materials, a range of hues that brings back color as the dominating feature – are all part of the ongoing evolution of the brand’s style, a seamless progression of the spring/summer product line.

Blackfin has taken the language of sophistication to new heights, creating an innovative perception of luxury. A new level of refinement is narrated through aesthetic interpretations that speak of the evolution of shapes; new stylistic codes are redesigned, thanks to the skillful use of color. Design minimalism and the technical core of the brand reveal a new stripe of elegance.

A unique frame structure, created through a special bas relief process, and a sophisticated color palette play up the personality of the Lovers Key BF852 sunglass style, where the squared shape is heightened by the generous top rim, creating an unexpected silhouette skillfully poised between tech and fashion.

The same workmanship is featured in the three prescription eyewear frames: Sandbridge BF849 (lowr right) , a dual bridge with teardrop-shaped lenses; Baylands BF851, a large round version; and Charleston BF840, (right) a rounded – yet slightly panto – form. Three outwardly-simple shapes that distinctly express the brand’s stylistic DNA, defined by a color scheme that ranges from metallized red to electric blue, from pale pink to raspberry, alternating with black, gunmetal grey or cloud white.

Another stylistic innovation is the beta titanium bridge anchored to the titanium rims that, from round in the Leven BF850 prescription eyewear version, morph into teardrops and then cat eyes in the two Laguna Beach BF842 and Sunnyside BF843 sunglass styles. This fluid interplay of sinuous forms evolves thanks to Blackfin’s skill at blending innovative techniques and design sophistication. Here, too, we find a surprising range of colors: vibrant hues contrast with more neutral tones, highlighted - in the sunglasses - by mirrored lenses in gradient grey, silver, pink or blue.

Lastly, the Blackfin Lamina PLUS line – that combines different materials – is back with two prescription eyewear frames. In both the women’s Maryport BF845 (Top) cat-eye style and in the more squared Eastport BF841 (Above left)for men, the splash of color is sparked by striated acetate set against the titanium structure.

The launch of the new line is part of a wider context of the brand rebranding, logo restyling and a brand new communication strategy to keep up the times.
An absolute novelty, three of the new models are available with photochromic lenses.

EBLOCK - young and dynamic Made in Italy glasses brand, known for the exclusive and patented blocking system Easy Block, for the closure of the circle – presents the brand new line EBlock Evolution: the collection evolves just in a new modern line, with a unique and refined design, perfect for a style even more refined and minimalist. The brand distinctive sign, the block, becomes smaller to allow forms and shapes to lighten, temples becomes thinner and, at the same time, the blocking system without screws is modernise. A true hymn to lightness and creativity.

Four new references, 3 unisex and one distinctively feminine, the frame metal is lighter and tells about a minimalism that is expression of a contemporary luxury, in which quality is a fundamental component and not something that it shows off. Shapes with a casual spirit but not too much, elegant enough, in a word contemporary.

The wide and light circle, a must-have that has no age – from John Lennon to Harry Potter. On the wave of evergreen models that do not go out of fashion, even the double bridge, for a strong visual impact. For females, shapes widen and lighten, for a big butterfly effect and a touch of colour that underline the eyebrow arch.

A Navigator model with square shape and a double bridge. But the absolute novelty is that three of the new models – the unisex models – are available with photochromic lenses: the lenses start from an “aperitivo” colour – not totally transparent – to reach a 80% or more of darkening. This new offer enriches the EBlock sun collection, which includes clip-on suitable for 4 model of the Be Original collection.

The collection illustrates this unrestraint with sunglasses that range from classic to cutting-edge.

The impossibly slender front on perfectly round model HAZE shows the flexibility and stability of the MYLON material. Sporting a shield lens and distinctive MYLON clip, PEPPER takes the classic aviator style into the here and now.

British eyewear designer Tom Davies launches 48 new nose fitting templates for stockists to take the innovative bespoke service to the next level.

The bespoke service allows stockists to design frames which are uniquely tailored to customers’ facial measurements and preferences. This includes measurements of the head, ear and most importantly the nose bridge which is the first step in creating perfectly fitted frames according to Tom Davies.

After years of continued research and eleven years using their fitting template system, these are the first nose fitting templates released by the brand for four years.

“Over the last 18 months I have been spending a lot of time in my own retail stores bespoking a lot of customers and I realised that as styles had changed, my fitting templates had not. I needed some bigger, deeper shapes. I set about redesigning my entire collection and adding lots of new brilliant and comfortable nose fits at the same time.”

The new set can be purchased as a stand alone set of 48 pieces through the Tom Davies cloud based system Supertool. Current Tom Davies bespoke accounts can add these to their existing collection of fitting templates.

“These new fitting templates compliment what we already have in the market but if you are new to Tom Davies, these are a fantastic way to get started with perfectly fitted bespoke frames!”

The new fitting templates will be unveiled in September 2018 and will be available to stockists who are certified as a Tom Davies bespoke account.

The Bolon Eyewear collection has been bolstered with the release of 35 new lines and continued brand building and marketing campaigns starring brand ambassadors Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway and American supermodel Hailey Baldwin.

Designed for the the UK independent market with an exclusive range of 78 sunwear and optical models, the 2018 optical collection features more of the round shapes that have proven a popular customer choice with four new round models added in multiple colours including a full titanium double bridge style, BJ1309.

The new women’s jewellery inspired sunwear frames feature intricate details in both glamorous and traditional models. The men’s collection has also been boosted.

Essilor said its Bolon Eyewear brand was living up to its promise to re-energise the independent market, generate strong footfall, new impulse sales and push younger, fashion-focused, online shoppers into independents.

Bolon frames are designed in Italy and manufactured using high quality materials like Italian Mazzucchelli acetate, but sold at an affordable above-mid-range price, so independents can offer premium, stylish sunglasses to more customers at a great price as well as the prescription eyewear.

Commercial director Randeep Gill said: “The 2018 collection reinforces the My Style, My Bolon concept of eyewear as a form of individual expression and an extension of one’s personal style, and inspires men and women to express their own style in every moment in life with a wide variety of unique fashion designs, from classic, elegant and chic to modern-retro.”

Bolon is a leading brand in Asia. It joined the Essilor Group in 2013.

Ogi Eyewear proudly presents the 7169, a playful juxtaposition of acetates in a flattering angular shape.

Laminated acetate comes together with designer pops of color on the edges and temples for a modern look. The 7169 steals the show with its flattering and contemporary expression of color that Ogi is known for.

Two rimmed frames for little girls and little boys – 6 to 8 years old - combining acetate and metal which will bring to their owners the status of queens and kings of the school!

Boys KidKing shown right and the other on the home page.

To look stylish and feel like a grown-up, KID’OKO offers to girls and boys from 4 to 10 years old acetate and metal models with designer shapes and fun colors! To be different, to be stylish!

Cute little jewels made out of metal and 100% Mazzucchelli acetate manufactured with sweet colors, « Made in Italy » for a chic and fun design signed by in-house designer David Beddok.

This is a great alternative for those kids who don’t see themselves as the stereotype lookalike princesses or heroes that are normally stock in trade and who wish to stand out from their friends as early as possible.

This is in fact the motto of KID’OKO’s house, to stand for a difference! And that starts as early as possible!

The frames are original and unusual, with well-crafted details and not just a miniature version of the adult best sellers. They include redesigned lenses and are technically adapted to the morphology of children’s faces. To such an extent that some parents could be accused of being jealous of their children’s spectacles…and they would be right!

The model kidQUEEN is available in 4 colors : TortoiseonPlum;VioletonParma;TortoiseonRose;Redpurpleonbrightred.
The model kidKING is available in 4 colors : Black, TortoiseonSkyblue; Blue gradientonnavyblue;VioletonParma.

Beyond the sophisticated lacquering however this standout pair of shades is still very much in the offbeat, cheeky spirit of the MYKITA + MARTINE ROSE creative partnership.

MARTINE ROSE was founded in 2007 as a men’s shirting brand, Martine Rose draws its inspiration from the experiential tension between individualism and belonging; exploring the potential of clothing to serve as cultural signifiers.

By exploring both personal and imagined histories, Martine Rose takes
icons or motifs from the past and reimagines their use in the present – contexts are subverted, references collide, and the result is what makes each collection feel ‘offbeat’, and yet so
‘in tune’.

Volume, proportion, and fabrication are used in an equally dynamic way to blur the lines between the familiar and unconventional, questioning the former functionality or past

This New York (NY) collection is aptly named as it finds its inspiration from cosmopolitan and multicultural trends and movements just like this city (NYC) which is often described as the "capital of the world".

It perfectly takes place in the DNA of the OKO by OKO Paris brand – " eyewear design for all" as a will of democratizing the "optical world" that is to say to bring designer eyewear affordable and wearable for all and everywhere in the world !

Its double-bridge style will entice women's interest of a retro, universal and timeless look – always trendy year after year ! This New York collection welcomes bright and fun colors such as orange, fushia and turquoise – at OKO’s life is colour!

OKO by OKO Paris – eyewear designer for all since 1999 – good design for good people.